New Delhi: India’s largest real-money gaming (RMG) platforms, including Dream11 parent Dream Sports, Mobile Premier League (MPL), Zupee, and Gameskraft, have begun suspending paid contests and money-based games following Parliament’s approval of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025.
The legislation, which was passed in both Houses this week, introduces a blanket ban on online games involving monetary stakes, defined as games where users deposit funds with the expectation of winning returns. At the same time, it seeks to encourage non-monetary online play, such as eSports and social gaming.
Dream11 Pauses Paid Fantasy Contests
Dream Sports has already halted “Pay to Play” contests on Dream Picks and Dream Play, its newer fantasy and casual gaming platforms. In an in-app notice, the company assured users that account balances remain secure and can be withdrawn. Industry insiders indicated that the flagship Dream11 app may also suspend its paid contests once the bill becomes law after presidential assent.
Dream11, valued at around $8 billion, has been a market leader in fantasy sports, where entry fees sometimes started as low as Rs 29 and winners could take home top prizes exceeding Rs 3 lakh.
MPL Shuts Down Money Games
MPL, one of India’s largest competitive gaming platforms with a valuation of $2.3 billion, confirmed it has suspended all RMG offerings. Deposits have been disabled, although users can continue withdrawing balances.
“Our long-term vision of becoming the world’s largest competitive gaming platform remains intact,” an MPL spokesperson said, adding that the company will now focus exclusively on free-to-play experiences.
Gameskraft and Zupee Join the Exit
Bengaluru-based Gameskraft also suspended “Add Cash” services and gameplay on its rummy offerings, including RummyCulture. It reassured users that withdrawals remain unaffected.
Zupee, known for popular casual titles such as Ludo Supreme and Snakes & Ladders, confirmed it has discontinued paid contests but continues to operate its free games. “In line with the new Online Gaming Bill 2025, we are discontinuing paid games, but our community can continue enjoying non-monetary options,” a spokesperson said.
Industry Pushback and Legal Challenge
The sweeping ban has drawn concern within the gaming sector, with companies reportedly consulting legal experts about challenging the law in the Supreme Court. Industry representatives argue that certain skill-based games, including poker and rummy, should not be equated with gambling.
The bill, spearheaded by Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, also outlaws advertising of money games and directs banks to block financial transactions linked to such platforms. Violations could result in prison terms of up to three years and hefty fines.
As the industry braces for the law’s implementation, India’s online gaming ecosystem, once seen as a global growth market, is set for its most significant reset yet.
